There has been little research examining the implementation of evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines (EBNPG). The objective of a two-year, quasi-experimental study was to describe alignment of registered dietitian nutritionists' documented nutrition care with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' EBNPG for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Researchers analyzed documentation from 19 RDNs providing outpatient medical nutrition therapy to 562 adults with diabetes over the course of 787 visits. A validated, automated tool was used to match standardized nutrition care process terminology, or NCPT, in the documentation to NCPT expected to represent guideline implementation.
Most patients (approximately 75%) had one documented visit with an RDN. When evaluating the visits, there was evidence that the RDN worked with the patient to implement at least one recommendation from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics EBNPG for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. RDNs most frequently focused on building patient skills related to blood glucose management. A midpoint guideline training had no impact on alignment of care with the guideline.
The study identified opportunities to increase RDN implementation of recommendations related to prevention and treatment of common conditions that occur with diabetes, such as heart and kidney disease, and to facilitate more diabetes education visits for patients. Learn more in this brief research report article published in Frontiers in Nutrition.
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